Wednesday around the NHL

1. PATRICK KANE BACK ON SKATES
The defending Stanley Cup champions the Chicago Blackhawks received some positive news on Wednesday when their injured star forward Patrick Kane tested the ankle with a hard skate and reported no pain. Kane who injured the ankle on December 7 against the Calgary Flames was supposed to miss at least three weeks. Proving to be a fast healer Kane who has 11 goals and 27 points is eying a return on Friday against the Detroit Red Wings. “I’m feeling pretty good,” Kane said. “I’ll try to get a good team practice in on Thursday but overall, today, I felt pretty good.”

2. RANGERS LOSE CALLAHAN TO A BROKEN HAND

New York Rangers forward Ryan Callahan who was on track for a career season will be out for up to six weeks after blocking on Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Callahan, who is in his fourth season sacrificed his body during the first period on a Kris Letang slapshot. The result was a hand fracture which will prove to be a big loss for New York. In 31 games Callahan has scored 10 goals and 23 points. He also leads the team with 128 hits. Despite losing him early in the game New York still beat the Penguins by a 4-1 score.

3. DUCKS CARLYLE GETS EXTENSION

An early Christmas present was handed out to Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle who received an extension through until next season. Since becoming the Ducks coach in 2005 this former NHL defenceman has registered an impressive 235-152-56 record. During his tenure Carlyle led the Ducks to a Stanley Cup Championship back in 2007. He also owns the highest winning percentage of any coach in Ducks history. Last year Anaheim failed to make the post season but as of Wednesday night they occupied sixth seed in the Western Conference with 38 points. Also receiving an extension running until the end of 2011/12 season was the teams senior vice- president of hockey operations David McNab.